Review: Jon Stewart enjoys poking fun at right, left

Saturday

Jon Stewart's stand-up comedy show last night in the Palace Theatre featured political and religious satire and sarcasm that cut both ways.

Jon Stewart's stand-up comedy show last night in the Palace Theatre featured political and religious satire and sarcasm that cut both ways.

Without an opening act, Stewart, 48, began by saying he came to Columbus just to get a tattoo.

Without referring to Ohio State University or coach Jim Tressel by name, he called the ongoing investigations "the quaintest scandal I've ever heard of," adding, "I don't trust a guy in a sweater vest in 2011," although he might make a good governor.

Speaking of Gov. John Kasich, Stewart said he can't mess up things too much, unless he declares war on Kentucky. "This, too, shall pass," Stewart said of the governor. "Look at him as a vaccine."

Donald Trump's potential presidential bid is something Stewart said he prays for. He said Trump's penchant for putting his name on everything he owns is something a 6-year-old would do, and he ridiculed Trump's efforts to disprove President Barack Obama's citizenship.

However, Obama was not spared. Stewart marveled at how the current commander in chief speaks to Americans as if he's disappointed in us and wondered why he has the nation in three different wars.

In fact, Stewart said that even if all the Republicans went to heaven, Democrats would find a way to mess up things on Earth.

As for gay marriage, Stewart said he doesn't have a problem with it, as long as Congress doesn't make it mandatory for everybody.

Seeing him perform live was different than watching The Daily Show, but Stewart's strong wit prevailed, whether it was making fun of his children, his Jewish background or CNBC's investment advice.

As things wound down, Stewart had this advice for the audience: "Be proud of who you are, but don't wield it as a club."

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